How Much?! This Is The True Cost Of Getting A Third Level Education In Ireland Today

We all know that getting an education is a pricey business.

But until now, did we realise just how expensive it really is?

College tuition fees for undergraduates may have been abolished in Ireland back in 1996 in an attempt to make education more accessible, but rising rent prices are proving a very real obstacle for many of those hoping to pursue a third level education.

Thanks to inflation, the cost of education these days is multiplied and it all kicks off before you're even able to read.

According to a new study by Zurich Life, primary school brings an average cost of €473 each year. With each of us spending an average of eight years at this level, the total cost comes to €3,780.

Next up is secondary school. 

School books and transport are among the most sizeable expenses upon hitting first year, but at least books can be used for a number of years.

The move to secondary school also brings a greater number of 'other' expenses such as money for lunch, sports gear, school trips and class essentials like ingredients for Home Ec or pencils for Art.

This cost comes in at €1,040 for the year, or €5,040 for the five to six year cycle. This added to the primary school total comes in at €8,820.

Next up, the big one - university. 

A worthwhile investment if there ever was one, but university costs are notoriously expensive. 

The general cost of a commuter heading to college is just over €5,000 per year, which comes to just over €14,000 for a degree course. Obviously this will increase if a student partakes in a longer course like medicine or law. 

For the lucky ones who get to move out, and compete with the thousands of others looking for accommodation in the same boat, the costs comes to approx. €8,265 per year, and €31,170 in total. 

When you tot it all up, the total cost of getting through university in this country is a whopping €40,000 - unless you are lucky enough to live in the vicinity and can commute. 

Now, don't get us wrong. It's definitely worth it. We're just saying, it's going to cost you.